Motorola Moto Z Play review

The Motorola Moto Z Play currently has an Informr score of 8.2 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 29
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

What's good

Modular accessories

Multi-day battery life

Vibrant screen

Clutter-free UI

microSD support

Fingerprint scanner

What's bad

Bloatware

No optical image stabilization on camera

Fingerprint scanner placement

The Moto Z series brought the Moto line into the world of modular smartphones. With Lenovo’s latest release--the Moto Z Play--they’re hoping to bring modular access to the mid-level market.

Does this dialed back version still hold the magic reviewers loved about the Moto Z and Moto Z Force? Let’s see what they are saying!

The Moto Z Play features a glass and aluminum design that reviewers all loved. unlike the previous models, the Z Play includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. Some reviewers mentioned that a lack of curved edges made one-handed use harder. Many also questioned why the fingerprint reader couldn’t double as a home button.

The back of the phone features the series’ modular accessory connector at the bottom for use with Moto Mods. Phone scooped summed up design opinions well, saying, “Absolutely nothing about the Z Play suggests it is less refined than the Z and Z Force. If anything, the glass surfaces make it look even more polished. It is a really nice piece of hardware.”

Flipping around front, you’re greeted by a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED panel. Reviews were stellar for display quality with the typical color saturation comments. Fortunately, Lenovo includes color profile options to tone things down if you prefer.

Lenovo scales back performance a bit from the higher priced offerings for the Z Play opting for an Octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor and 3GB of RAM. Talk Android noted, “For the most part the device holds up extremely well for everyday tasks.” You’ll also find 32GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards up to 2TB to ensure you can keep your favorite media and apps on-hand with plenty of room for snapping pictures.

The 16MP rear camera fell just short of greatness for many reviewers. While the laser and phase detection autofocus ensure a fast picture taking experience, lack of optical image stabilization led many to have issues with fine details. However, reviewers love the quality of low-light and night images. Reviews were equally positive on the 5MP front-facing shooter. GreenBot tested the camera and said, “Despite the occasional grainyness and limited dynamic range common to more affordable phones, you can get some really nice shots with the Moto Z Play.”

The star of the phone for most reviewers was the battery. Clocking in at 3510mAh, the Moto Z Play features the largest battery in the series. Paired with the mid-tier specs, reviewers were getting two and three days on a single charge. Phone Scoop noted, “There's no question the phone can go from breakfast on Day 1 to bedtime on Day 2 with a solid reserve still in the battery. I was never able to fully deplete the battery during my tests over a week's time.” Add in support for Turbo Charging with the included cable and wall adapter and you should have little worry about battery life with this phone.

Overall, reviewers found the phone a great value. The biggest complaint didn’t come from the phone itself but the sheer amount of bloat installed on the Verizon-locked version of the handset.

What the Critics Are Saying...

If you want the most flexible option on sale right now with a great battery, decent camera and a handy front-facing flash, then the Z Play is an amazing choice. The free speaker makes it a great deal.

- Dan, Coolsmartphone

It's big, fast, and lasts a full day without even breaking a sweat, which makes the Moto Z Play one of the best options for people wanting a phone with seemingly never-ending battery life. The Incipio Mod attachment takes battery to the next next level too. Sure, the Z Play has its minor quirks and...

- Cam Bunton, Pocket-lint

Want a phone with Moto Mods, above all else? Then the long-lasting Moto Z Play is for you, even if the processor is ho-hum.

- Hadlee Simons, Gearburn

Moto Z Play is not a high-end smartphone but it definitely sits in the mid-range. This can be clearly seen at first sight when you spot the metal frame and elegant glass back, which attracts fingerprints though. The latter can be escaped if you add a Moto module, be it just a different panel or one...

- LaptopMedia Team, LaptopMedia

If you’re willing to part with the raw power of higher-end processors, Motorola’s Moto Z Play will reward you with fun modularity and the most forgiving battery life we’ve seen in this generation of phones.

If your Moto Z Play has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

Unbeatable battery life bettered by mods

It's big, fast, and lasts a full day without even breaking a sweat, which makes the Moto Z Play one of the best options for people wanting a phone with seemingly never-ending battery life. The Incipio Mod attachment takes battery to the next next level too. Sure, the Z Play has its minor quirks a...More

It's big, fast, and lasts a full day without even breaking a sweat, which makes the Moto Z Play one of the best options for people wanting a phone with seemingly never-ending battery life. The Incipio Mod attachment takes battery to the next next level too. Sure, the Z Play has its minor quirks and the Mods are going to polarise opinion - especially given their price - but the Z Play is a solid phone and a prudent investment for those looking to not break the bank on a phone.

A multi-faceted smartphone

Moto Z Play is not a high-end smartphone but it definitely sits in the mid-range. This can be clearly seen at first sight when you spot the metal frame and elegant glass back, which attracts fingerprints though. The latter can be escaped if you add a Moto module, be it just a different panel or o...More

Moto Z Play is not a high-end smartphone but it definitely sits in the mid-range. This can be clearly seen at first sight when you spot the metal frame and elegant glass back, which attracts fingerprints though. The latter can be escaped if you add a Moto module, be it just a different panel or one with JBL speakers or mini projector. It is namely this option of adding various modules that is the main highlight in the entire Moto Z lineup, and it definitely appealed to us – the way you attach and detach the modules as well as the way they operate.

Sets a new high bar for smartphone longevity

If you’re willing to part with the raw power of higher-end processors, Motorola’s Moto Z Play will reward you with fun modularity and the most forgiving battery life we’ve seen in this generation of phones.

If you’re willing to part with the raw power of higher-end processors, Motorola’s Moto Z Play will reward you with fun modularity and the most forgiving battery life we’ve seen in this generation of phones.

Competitive edge in pricing and performance

It is hard not to have mixed feelings for the Moto Z Play and for that matter, most new Moto offers. On the one hand, we're talking the legendary manufacturer (albeit now under Lenovo management) that many people still tend to trust for quality and reliability. Plus, in the new Vanilla Android wo...More

It is hard not to have mixed feelings for the Moto Z Play and for that matter, most new Moto offers. On the one hand, we're talking the legendary manufacturer (albeit now under Lenovo management) that many people still tend to trust for quality and reliability. Plus, in the new Vanilla Android world, where Google is no longer a distant overseer, looking down on its followers and guiding them, but rather an active market player in the big leagues, Motorola is still a go-to choice for a good AOSP experience.

Trims the flagship phone’s specs for a more affordable asking price

The Moto Z Play is a great affordable mid-range mobile which boasts particularly strong battery life, plus strong media chops and the unique Moto Mods expandability. Of course, Moto Mods are still far from an essential feature, and we’re yet to see if Lenovo will support this modular functi...More

The Moto Z Play is a great affordable mid-range mobile which boasts particularly strong battery life, plus strong media chops and the unique Moto Mods expandability. Of course, Moto Mods are still far from an essential feature, and we’re yet to see if Lenovo will support this modular functionality for the long haul. But even if not, the Moto Z Play should please users with its general all-round appeal.

Outstanding battery life, fast processor

The Moto Z Play looks good and feels good. Specification-wise, it isn’t exceptional for its price, with a fairly standard processor and camera built in. However the user experience is smooth and fluid. The battery life is also a plus point and who doesn’t love extra modules that click...More

The Moto Z Play looks good and feels good. Specification-wise, it isn’t exceptional for its price, with a fairly standard processor and camera built in. However the user experience is smooth and fluid. The battery life is also a plus point and who doesn’t love extra modules that click on like Lego blocks? It’s exactly what I would look for in a midranger.

One of the better smartphones out there today

The Moto Z Play is a well built smartphone with very good battery life, and that's what you buy this phone for. However, you will be compromising on speed with the Snapdragon 625 SoC. It's a good phone for those who don't want to compromise majorly on camera and battery life.

The Moto Z Play is a well built smartphone with very good battery life, and that's what you buy this phone for. However, you will be compromising on speed with the Snapdragon 625 SoC. It's a good phone for those who don't want to compromise majorly on camera and battery life.

Lenovo leads the charge

The Moto Z Play is the most affordable modular smartphone on the market. If this concept interests you, then it could be a cheaper option than the LG G5. However, I remain skeptical of this first generation of mods. Although the Lenovo system is ingenious, its first mods did not convince me. Wors...More

The Moto Z Play is the most affordable modular smartphone on the market. If this concept interests you, then it could be a cheaper option than the LG G5. However, I remain skeptical of this first generation of mods. Although the Lenovo system is ingenious, its first mods did not convince me. Worse still, its prices are discouraging. Fortunately, if you put the modular aspect of the smartphone aside, the Moto Z Play is a good smartphone that stands out for its long battery life. This advantage becomes one of the best arguments for purchasing it. Lenovo has found a way to market a modern phone that can last at least two days. Certainly its camera and design are not the best on the market but the battery life has been a refreshing experience for me. This is not, however, the best smartphone in the $500 price rang

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